UNH professor to be terminated for 'moral turpitude'

DURHAM - A University of New Hampshire associate professor is being terminated for intentionally lowering the student evaluations of another faculty member.

According to UNH officials, Marco Dorfsman, an associate professor of Spanish, admitted to the action and will be terminated effective May 17.

"This serious breach of ethical standards constitutes moral turpitude that cannot be tolerated at UNH," according to statement released by Erika Mantz, director of media relations at UNH, on Thursday.

The decision was made by Provost John Aber which followed a recommendation of the Professional Standards Committee of the Faculty Senate.

The committee members unanimously agreed that Dorfsman's conduct "evinces a gross disregard for the rights of others, is a clear and intentional breach of duties owed to others and to the university, and evokes condemnation."

According to UNH, student evaluations are a prime source of data for employment decisions of all instructors, and Dorfsman's conduct "disregarded" the rights of his colleague, undermined the evaluations and corrupted an important process by which the faculty's teaching effectiveness is measured.

If Dorfsman decides to grieve the provost's dismissal decision, the case will be decided by an arbitrator.